Press Releases

RI Library Association Announces Money Smart Week Activities

Providence, R.I. –The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) today announced the programming line-up for Money Smart Week® Rhode Island, from April 5 through April 12. The series is sponsored by CollegeBoundfund® and will host over 25 free financial literacy programs at participating libraries and nonprofit organizations across the state. Money Smart Week® started in 2002 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the American Library Association, is designed to help people better understand and manage their personal finances to reach their financial goals.

"Our local libraries are ready to help you find the resources and partners you need to plan for a financially healthier future," Julie A. DeCesare, RILA Member-at-Large said. "Our Money Smart Week schedule has something for everyone looking to get a leg-up on their finances."

"Libraries continue to be a wonderful free resource for Rhode Islanders of all ages, especially when it comes to helping them understand their financial goals," said General Treasurer Gina Raimondo. "Treasury is happy to support Money Smart Week activities throughout the state. I encourage all Rhode Islanders to take advantage of these free events."

Rhode Island's libraries offer a wide range of accessible and reliable sources of business and personal financial information. From starting a business or learning how to save for college and find a job, libraries of all types are a free way to get the latest information. Money Smart Week is a natural community outreach endeavor for Rhode Island's libraries, and will reach an even wider audience this year by offering several programs in Spanish.

"CollegeBoundfund is excited to partner with the Rhode Island Library Association to help expand financial literacy," said Gail Mance-Rios, Acting Executive Director of the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA). "Money Smart Week is a great way for residents of all ages to learn more about the importance of saving and planning, whether it's for higher education or any other future goal."

The William Hall Library in Cranston will host the family friendly Money Smart Week Kick-Off with a resource fair, on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Money Smart Week programming will be hosted by various financial institutions, government agencies, educational organizations and other experts. Program topics will include managing credit, steps to home-ownership, salary negotiation strategies, and strategies for using coupons, among many others.

Money Smart Week® Rhode Island is made possible by sponsorship from Collegeboundfund, and partnerships with Capital Good Fund, Citizens Bank, Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, LISC Rhode Island, Housing Network, the PawSox, the Department of Labor and Training, and General Treasurer Gina Raimondo's Office.

For more information and a complete listing of programs in Rhode Island visit www.moneysmartweek.org, and to learn more about RILA's partners and sponsors, please visit rilibraries.org.

Founded in 1903, the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) is a professional association of librarians, library staff, trustees, and library supporters. RILA promotes the profession of librarianship and seeks to improve the visibility, accessibility, responsiveness and effectiveness of library and information services throughout the state. For more information, visit rilibraries.org.